The Kremlin in Russia has announced changes to the country’s nuclear doctrine, with the intention of sending a strong message to Ukraine’s Western allies. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that the revisions made by President Vladimir Putin are a warning to countries considering supporting attacks on Russia, whether through nuclear or conventional means. This move is seen as a deterrent to discourage the West from backing Ukraine in potential conflicts with Russia.
In a recent Security Council meeting, Putin emphasized that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be viewed as a joint assault on the country. This change in Moscow’s nuclear doctrine is aimed at raising the stakes for Western nations in considering their involvement in any conflict involving Russia. The revision appears to signal a lowering of the threshold for Russia’s potential use of nuclear weapons.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues into its third year, Russia has been making incremental progress while also trying to thwart increased Western support for Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking approval from the U.S. and other allies to use longer-range Western weapons to target Russian territory beyond the current range.
Putin’s warnings have escalated in recent times, with direct threats towards the U.S. and NATO allies about the implications of allowing Ukraine to utilize advanced Western weapons against Russia. The revised nuclear doctrine now provides more specific conditions under which Russia would consider the use of nuclear weapons, including in response to a significant air attack.
The deliberate ambiguity in the updated doctrine is meant to make the West more hesitant about supporting actions that could provoke a nuclear response from Russia. The Kremlin’s strategic maneuvering includes leveraging the threat of nuclear weapons to dissuade Western powers from intervening in conflicts where Russia is involved.
Earlier in the month, Putin had cautioned NATO allies about the risks of permitting Ukraine to deploy longer-range weapons against Russia, warning that it could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and the alliance. The recent changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine underscore the heightened tensions in the region and the Kremlin’s efforts to assert its position amidst ongoing geopolitical struggles.
